JZ's 2020 DC Limited Build Thread

Here's my 2020 SuperWhite Limited Double Cab. This is my first "build thread" so let's see how it turns out.

Day 1 - June 27, 2020



During the height of COVID, dealers were dealing - so I sold my 2010 Tacoma and went shopping for a Tundra. I picked the Limited for features not found in the SR5 (Leather, BLIS, RCTA, Parking Sensors). I also picked the DC as I find the longer bed provides more utility than a bigger 2nd row. Although I really would have liked the full roll-down window. Life's little sacrifices.

Build Goals:

• Address the chrome and make it look right
• Get it ready for "out of the truck" camping
• Make it mine

As she sits today - September 6, 2020:



After way too much time reading this forum, I got to work. The next posts will walk through each mod sequentially in some detail.

Enjoy!

 

First up was to get going on the de-chrome process:

Thanks to @Roman at Cool Springs, a few pennies were saved to get these pieces:

• 53101-0C040-A0 Platinum Grille Assembly - Super White (040)
• 76180-0C030-A0 Hood Bulge (Super White - 040)

Once received, I soon discovered that the TSS emblem from the stock Limited Grille did not fit the Platinum Grille -- same size, but the wrong "bolt pattern". I went back to Roman's instructions and realized I missed the red-font important stuff that a new cover would be required. Since that was another $300+, I decided to go another route.

Little research about painting plastic parts and then I got to work. First - scuff/sand with 3M scuff pads, cleaning, spray on adhesion promotor, etching primer, "trim black" base color and finally 2K matte clear. The fumes are no joke and a full-on respirator is required.

The painted mirror covers were sourced from Sparks:

• 87915-0C060-A0 RH Mirror Cover - 040 Superwhite
• 87945-0C040-A0 LH Mirror Cover - 040 Superwhite

I'm happy with how it turned out.



Next step project #nochrome was to replace the badges (iForce, Tundra, Limited) with the OEM black versions. In hindsight, I probably should have simply gone with removing them.



Final step was to switch out the door handles and deal with the chrome end-caps. Since I had black badges, I decided to go with the Matte Black kit from Sparks:

• PKKITDRSE - Tundra Smart Entry Handle Kit - Double/Regular Cab

Bumper end-caps are White BumperShells from Ecoological. Fitment was spot-on, but the color match is slightly off. I was choosing between the ABS Black and the White. Probably should have gone with the ABS Black.

Badges were sourced from eBay.

All-in price tag for project #nochrome ~$1500 with mostly OEM parts (except for the stupid expensive OEM bumper end covers. So - could have been more, could have been less.

 

Tint was also on the to-do list.

I've been taking all of my vehicles to Highline Customs in Beaverton Oregon and they again - did not disappoint.

I chose their HUPER OPTIK I3 offering and had the whole vehicle done including a 56% tint on the windshield.

Apparently, the I3 is the "best of the best" window film on the market.
• Blocks 93% HEAT!!
• Blocks 65% glare
• Superior clarity, 10 times clearer than carbon,
• Extremely durable scratch resistant coating (5x thicker than carbon)

I can say that I really like having the front tinted - better temps, better glare, overall much easier on the eyes. We will see if the po-po give me any grief, but I'm not a teenager anymore.

Not a huge issue, but I do notice that the headlights come on earlier and I don't trust the auto high beams to do their thing.

 

Electrical work:

• OEM Tailgate lock
• Replaced back seat 12V outlet with Dual USB
• Added OEM wireless charging in center console
• Front center console 12V always on mod

SDHQ HD Billet Main Battery Terminal Upgrade Kit and wired in Renogy Solar Charge Controller.

The SDHQ is a nice piece of billet aluminum with a bunch of attachment point. I've also installed the Renogy Wanderer from my Tacoma. I run a 100W panel when camping to keep the truck battery charged up. That then runs an efficient fridge and some LEDs. Instead of a two battery setup, I keep a

$100 NOCO GB40 1000A UltraSafe Car Battery Jump Starter, 12V Battery Pack, Battery Booster, Jump Box, Portable Charger and Jumper Cables for 6.0L Gasoline and 3.0L Diesel Engines

NOCO GB40 Jump Pack always topped up in the center console. Also, the fridge has a cutoff to prevent it from draining beyond a 3 set points.




@2020Platinum inspired LED puddle lights

Installed 48" marine grade LED strips (3M backed tape), wired into interior kick panel lights.




Wired 12v/USB/Volt Meter into bed.

Originally, the thought was to drill holes in the bed-sides, but instead decided to build a small box from baltic birch. This is affixed to the canopy rail with velcro (not going anywhere). Wired in for constant (fused) power.

 

How long did it take to get your grille and bulge?

 

Nine days from order to receipt via UPS Ground.

 

Damn you lucked out. I ordered my stuff sep first and just found out it looks like it’s back ordered until the middle of October

patience is a virtue I suppose

 

Good looking truck so far @ttime4four. Any weight issues with your RTT on the Leer? I have the same shell coming in coupla weeks and I'm thinking something your setup might be cool in the future.

 

I bought the cap from a factory Leer dealer in my area and we discussed the weight issues of having a RTT. We discussed that having the factory install the rails -- I would be "protected" from any issues. There is plenty of static weight capacity for the tent itself. They did not express any concern for a RTT + 2 people.

The issue he mentioned was really dynamic weight stresses. He said the only problems he's seen is with the sail effect of carrying plywood.

If anything, I might add a bed stiffener, but the sides of my Tundra seem stout enough. When running the same RTT on my last truck (Tacoma + ARE CX) -- I never had any issues but did add a Total Chaos bed stiffener for insurance against the composite bed construction.

 

Thanks, that's great info and I'm happy to hear it works out for you. I'll likely bring up something similar when I go pick mine up from the leer dealer.

 

Installed the BedRug (bottom only)
Installed the fridge - bolted down through the bed.